33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
This text says Mary and Joseph marveled at Simeon’s prophecy and Anna, very old, also heard the news and she joined in the praise. She gave thanks to God about what she had heard and seen also. She shared this truth to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. The word was out through a very old widow who lived in the temple night and day. She never left.
It was revealed to Mary and Joseph that Jesus will not receive a heroes' welcome as the Messiah. Most Jews expected the Messiah to be a political savior, to rescue them from Roman occupation. If Jesus would have done that, He probably would have been crowned king of Israel and had the highest popularity rating ever, but Simeon knows this will not be the case. Jesus will be a very controversial, divisive Messiah. He will raise those who trust Him, but be a stumbling block to those who oppose Him.
There is nothing that splits Jewish families more strongly than those who put their faith in Jesus Christ and there are more who strongly reject Him. Many will choose to remain coldly unmoved from God's gracious offer.
Many in Israel, such as the disciples, the multitudes at Pentecost and several others did believe in Him. From them will rise a new kingdom, a spiritual kingdom begins. But many willfully reject Him, as Caiaphas, Annas, the Pharisees and Sadducees, as Scribes and teachers of the law in their pride and in their opposition did. These men loved this world too much and its attraction lured and bound and gripped them. Jesus will be controversial now as He was then. He will be the blessing of some and the fall of many.
Christians throughout the world are continuing to be persecuted because they claim Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. Many are not permitted to celebrate Christmas or review the story of His advent and nativity. Many must keep their faith secret and make their prayers and praise from a jail cell.
As a pastor, I have come across pastors who have helped many people and given good Biblical sermons. One man saw many respond to his message and became quite popular. I was disheartened to discover much later - for him it was all a show. His family life was hell. He had very little love and Christ was only a name to bring him in a higher position within Christian circles.
From time to time, we are aware of ministers and church officers and leaders that seem to have everything put together spiritually, only to find out much of their lives are a lie. Does that mean that what they said and pretended to live up to is not true? Because imposters are false teachers who will seek to impress us in religious teachings, we must be continually on guard that we are not following human leaders, but truth. Our faith certainly needs to include involvement within the body of the believers and love among the brothers and sisters in Christ, but the Bible is always your final authority. In time the hearts of many will be revealed.
Thirty-three years later Mary saw Jesus up on the cross and her heart was broken. She grieved and felt all her hope was gone too. But then came the resurrection!
Application: Are you relying on false teachers or the truth in God’s Word through the Bible? Contemplate today, how are you living your life?
Prayer: We praise you, God, for over 2,000 years we celebrate the hope in Christ who bought for us eternal life. Amen!
Dale
